asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the delay in granting an increase of 20 per cent in the rate of grants to development farmers participating in the farm modernisation scheme.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme.
107.
The question of applying the EEC Regulation 493/74 which permits an increase from 5 per cent to 6 per cent in the interest subsidy that may be granted to development farmers is under active consideration.
108.
Mr. Kitt
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange to have grants allocated to farmers participating in the farm modernisation scheme paid from the 1st February, 1974, the operative date of the scheme, instead of from the designation date which appears to be the position at present.
Any works commenced after 1st February, 1974 which are deemed to be eligible for inclusion under the farm modernisation scheme will be eligible to qualify for grant under that scheme.
109.
Mr. Kitt
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that there is considerable delay in the payment of grants from his Department to farmers participating in the farm modernisation scheme who have completed works on their farms to the satisfaction of his Department's officers and who have been approved for payment; and if he will have payment of approved grants expedited in all cases.
I am not so aware. If specific cases are brought to my attention, I will arrange to have them looked into.